A Pinecrest family's routine life was abruptly disrupted when their French bulldog became the target of a coyote attack in their own backyard, a harrowing moment captured by their security camera and later shared as a stark warning to other pet owners in the area. The 10-year-old dog, Lola, was seen on the video being charged by a coyote before her owners intervened, rushing to her rescue after hearing her distressing cries, as reported by Local 10.
The surveillance footage revealed the suddenness of the attack, which occurred in broad daylight and showed the pet being attacked from behind which has left the family in shock, scared to let their dog out alone ever since; they've even sought advice from wildlife officials on preventative measures such as using loud noises and motion lights to deter further dangers their pet might face in what once seemed like a safe suburban refuge. Denise Rodriguez shared with Local 10 how the incident has led to sleepless nights, admitting, "We're paranoid now," while her daughter started researching more ways to protect Lola, evidencing the profound impact such an encounter can have on family well-being.
Lola's fight for survival didn't go unnoticed as the Rodriguez family praised her resilience. "She fought back. In a way, she saved herself. She’s a tough one; she has more lives than a cat," Denise Rodriguez remarked in a statement obtained by 7News. After receiving emergency care for her bite wounds and necessary shots, Lola was back home under the vigilant eyes of her family, who are determined to safeguard her from any future threats.
Following the incident, the family reported the attack to the Village of Pinecrest and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which confirms the presence of coyotes in all of what is Florida's 67 counties and acknowledges that while they don't often pose a risk to humans they have been known to prey on smaller domestic animals raising the alarm for pet owners to remain alert when outdoors with their animals. In an interview with 7News, Daniella, one of Lola’s owners, cautioned, "Don’t leave your dogs out by themselves, just watch them." Denise emphasized awareness, “I just want people to be aware that it’s going on, that these wild creatures are around, and just take care of your pets, take care of your kids.”
